Sony Computer Entertainment parent company Sony today announced the resignations of its CEO Nobuyuki Idei, president Kunitake Andou and the five other members of its board of directors. Following company founder Akio Morita and Norio Ooga, Idei has been the company's third CEO, serving for a decade. Often referred to by critics as a "philosopher" with bold visions and a lack of ability to turn them into reality, Idei had been tipped to resign ever since the famous Sony Shock in spring 2003. He and Andou will be replaced by Sony America president Howard Stringer and vice president Ryouji Chuubachi. This marks only the second time that a foreigner will head a major Japanese company, following Frenchmen Carlos Ghousn's successful tenure at Nissan Motors.

While retaining his positions as executive vice president, chief strategy officer and chief financial officer Katsumi Ihara will assume the position of president Home Electronics Network Company.

Sony Computer Entertainment president and PlayStation mastermind Ken Kutaragi who was among the seven board members to resign, will be able to focus his entire attention on the company's game division again. Kutaragi, who was appointed executive vice president, chief operating officer and president of the wholly-owned subsidiary Semiconductor Solutions Network Company last year, had been tipped by many to succeed Idei as CEO. However, despite setting up and heading the company's most profitable division, Kutaragi still has many enemies within the company dating back to the 1980s. The 54-year old will become an executive director and remain in charge of Sony Computer Entertainment.